The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has created uncertainty in the global cricket circuit by withholding all No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for players in foreign leagues. However, the board did not mention whether retired players were affected, impacting players participating in United States (USA) and Canada-based leagues.
The confusion started after the PCB canceled all the NOCs previously issued to players in foreign leagues. In the notice sent to league organizers globally, it was not made clear whether retired players were included in it or not. Several leagues temporarily barred Pakistani cricketers from participating until valid NOCs can be presented.
Pakistan players banned in America and Canada after failure in Asia Cup
According to reports, on September 29, PCB Chief Operating Officer Sameer Ahmed Syed issued a notification, stating: “With the approval of the PCB Chairman, all NOCs issued to players to participate in leagues and other overseas tournaments have been suspended until further notice.”
The move impressed many cricketers in the franchise league. Sohail Tanvir (Atlanta Kings), Wahab Riaz (Chicago Cricket Club), and Rumman Raees (Los Angeles Waves) were barred from playing in the US until fresh approval was received.
Players like Shoaib Malik (White Rock Warriors) and Saeed Ajmal (Mississauga Masters) were required to obtain updated NOCs for the Canada T10 League (Super60), starting in Vancouver on October 8, forcing teams to make last-minute adjustments.
Wahab Riaz steps in to resolve PCB NOC suspension for foreign leagues
According to Cricket Pakistan, the confusion was cleared after the PCB suspended the players’ NOCs following the intervention of former chief selector Wahab Riaz.
The PCB’s initial notice did not specify whether the ban would only apply to active players or would also include retired cricketers, which has created uncertainty for players and league organisers.
Although Wahab no longer holds any official position within the board, he remains closely associated with PCB operations and often represents the board in various capacities. He was also seen working as a commentator for a major international cricket platform during the Asia Cup.
“Sources have revealed that the PCB’s notification did not specify whether the suspension would apply to both current and retired players or only active cricketers, leading to confusion among players and organisers,” the report said.
Pakistani stars’ BBL participation in doubt after PCB suspends NOC
Several stars including Babar Azam (Sydney Sixers), Shaheen Shah Afridi (Brisbane Heat), and Mohammad Rizwan (Melbourne Renegades) were drafted for the 2025–26 Big Bash League (BBL).
However, his participation came under threat when the PCB suddenly suspended the NOCs of all players for overseas leagues. The suspension was issued soon after Pakistan’s narrow defeat to India in the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup final.
The directive did not clarify whether exceptions could be made or when they could be removed. Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg expressed hope that Pakistani stars will still feature in the BBL, which begins on December 14 and overlaps with the ILT20 and the Lanka Premier League.
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